Welcome to our coverage of Zimbabwe's first budget presentation in the post-Robert Mugabe era, and it promises to be a humdinger. Its two weeks since Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn-in as president to complete a remarkable turn of fortunes after he was fired from the government on November 6 by his predecessor, thanks to the intervention of the military.

And he has promised to hit the ground running so the budget should give an indication of what to expect from his administration that is mostly composed of faces from the failed Mugabe presidency.

The economy desperately needs injection of capital along with stable, investor friendly policies to create the much-needed jobs. Restoring investor confidence will have to be at the top of the agenda while the buy-in of the international community will be key and so far the noises from key allies have been positive.

Dec 7, 2017 3:37 PMAlfonce MbizwoWe desire to honour our obligations as well as honour regional and international protocols. To expedite the release of farms under BIPPA arrangement that were taken under the land reform

Dec 7, 2017 3:26 PMAlfonce MbizwoForeign business travel to be reviewed.: Strict reduction of the size of delegations to the absolute necessary. No first class travel permitted across the board, save for the Presidium

Dec 7, 2017 3:24 PMAlfonce MbizwoGovt to allocate only one vehicle for Perm secretaries and equivalent grades. Same for Commissioners. Some will get loans instead of cars

Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda adjourns the business of the House for the day. Now awaiting the arrival of the Man With The Bag of Tricks, Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, who is expected to begin his presentation at 1500.

Dec 7, 2017 2:38 PMAlfonce MbizwoSpeaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda adjourns the business of the House for the day. Now awaiting the arrival of the Man With The Bag of Tricks, Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, who is expected to begin his presentation at 1500.

Dec 7, 2017 2:24 PMAlfonce MbizwoThe House is almost full as the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda walks in. Some opposition backbenchers shout: Safety guaranteed!

Dec 7, 2017 2:20 PMAlfonce MbizwoOn Wednesday, Zimbabwe's new government signed a $153 million loan agreement with China to expand and refurbish its RGM International airport in Harare as it bids to attract investors and tourists. The budget, according to finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa, will show that Zimbabwe is 'open for business.' Some pre-budget reading:Budget to show Zimbabwe open for business, says finmin - The Source

HARARE, December 6 (The Source) - Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa says the country's 2018 budget, which will be presented on Thursday, will send a clear message to the world that Zimbabwe is open for business. The new administration in Harare has pledged to re-engage the... Read MoreThe Source

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